Love letter

Dear Ida,

Remember when you were born?

You came right on time. We were flabbergasted. Then you slept 6 hours in a row every night for your first week home--equally flabbergasting. We took a day or two to decide on your name, but Ida Rachel fits you perfectly.

Remember when you were 1 month old?

You learned how to smile and your very first smile was one you still do now--with your tongue sticking out and curled up. You definitely did not sleep through the night anymore but we could always depend on your swing as a last resort to get you to stay asleep.

Remember when you were 2 months old?

You had your first Thanksgiving and then your first Christmas. Your grandparents flew across the country to participate in your blessing. You took 3-hour afternoon naps at the same time as your brother's. You were an angel on every plane ride we took during the holidays. You charmed everyone you met.

Remember when you were 3 months old?
As a 3-month-old, you loved to be held. Did I say loved? I meant loved. You would smile and coo as long as you had some strong arms holding you up. You perfected your giggle and started the habit of clasping your hands in front of you, fingers interlocked, as though in prayer. You still do this, often. So reverent of you.

Remember when you were 4 months old?

I think it's due in part to your tiny cute little head that you started sitting up on your own during this month. Sadly enough it became one of your brother's delights to witness you wobble and fall over occasionally. ("Ida fall down!") You also started sharing a room with Theo at night, and your days finally began to resemble a normal baby's napping and eating schedule.

Remember when you were 5 months old?

You started eating "people food" and were not especially a fan at first. We took you on another plane ride, to Florida this time, and for the first time you slept all the way through the night. 10 hours. I could have wept with joy. Near the end of the month, you also stopped sleeping with your arms swaddled, a day I was not entirely sure would ever come.

Remember when you were 6 months old?

Every morning your brother wakes up and asks for you (and wakes you up if you're still in your crib). Twelve hours without his favorite playmate! I'm so happy he has you. He misses you when you're not together. And who can blame him? You are the sweetest girl I know. Maybe that's why your dad or I bring you into our room almost every night sometime around 3 or 4 a.m. Yes, that must be it, we just miss you too much!

I love you.
I love you!




Not to steal sweet Ida's thunder, but...to revisit Theo's 6-month report, click here.